Canada’s 5 Most Incredible National Parks

Canada is the second largest country in the world, but it only has a population of around 36.7 million. That’s less than California, which could fit inside Canada over 20 times. The point I am trying to make is that Canada has a lot of space and much of it is uninhabited. This gives the country ample opportunity to designate vast areas as national parks. If you are looking to be completely overwhelmed by the sheer power of Mother Nature, there is nowhere better to go than Canada.

If you’re planning a trip in the near future and want to tick off some of Canada’s finest national parks, here are five to get you started.

Banff National Park, Alberta

Perhaps one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, let alone just Canada, Banff National Park is the pride and joy of this gigantic nation. Situated in Alberta, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park. It comprises over one and a half million acres of alpine meadows, forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains as well as some ancient monoliths dating back up to 120 million years.

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

New Brunswick rarely features on Canada’s tourist trail, which is a real shame as it boasts one of the country’s most astounding national parks: the Fundy National Park. This park runs along the Bay of Fundy on the province’s Atlantic coastline. The most astonishing thing about this park is its tidal patterns. The tide rises and falls by roughly 12 metres every day and is considered a natural phenomenon.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is Canada’s version of the Norwegian fjords. Here, rugged cliffs blanketed with thick vegetation plunge into deep, blue river canyons. The dramatic landscape is nature at its finest and there are plenty of hiking trails snaking through the park that will allow you to fully soak up its splendour. The renowned Cabot Trail also runs through the park. This is a favourite among hikers and rewards those who walk it with panoramic vistas of this mesmerising scenery.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park is on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains and is characterised by its sparkling ice fields that stretch out seemingly to infinity. Combine the ice fields with alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, towering mountains and a huge expanse of back country wilderness and you’ve got one of the most incredible national parks in Canada. At night time, the natural beauty shifts over head – Jasper is recognised as one of the best places in the world for star-gazing.

Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Last, but by no means least, is the Yoho National Park in Canada’s westernmost province: British Columbia. If you were hoping to find a park that will allow you to disconnect from the modern world and explore wilderness that seems untouched by mankind, you’ll find it here. Glaciers and mountains are staples in the scenery of this park and the Iceline Trail is the perfect way to take them all in. And, don’t forget to leave some time to visit the iconic Takkakaw Falls, which are the highest in Canada.